@sls883 LTA sent the Ray Reserve and the Gold Lion. They were part of the holiday special pricing. The RR tubes are big, but fit in my system. They poke out the top. The holes are quite large on mine. Ask LTA. I am sure they would help.
Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2)
I have enjoyed my LA4 preamp, but I want to see if a quality tube preamp would be more to my liking. I have ordered a LTA MicroZOTL Level 2 and it should be here in a few weeks.
My current set up:
Acoustat 1+1 with a SPL Crossover and dual Rhythmik F12SE subs
Innuos Pulse paired with an Innuos Phoenix USB
Bricasti M1S2 DAC
Marantz 8003 SACD (rarely used)
Technics SL1500 turntable with AT VM540ML cart upgraded with a RigB body
Pass Labs XA 25 power amp
Upgraded, but not excessive, cable
I have a month to compare the two preamplifiers and decide if I should make the move to the dark side (tubes). Everything I have read suggests the MicroZOTL L2 should improve stage presence, separation, and depth without significant detail loss. I do 95% of my listening through Qobuz and Sense with the rest from vinyl. The SACD player is only used for the occasional SACD not offered as HD through Qobuz.
Prior to settling on the LTA I listened to a used Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 Mk2 (had not settled on trying tubes yet.) (poor detail when compared with LA4 and narrower soundstage). I also wanted to try a Pass Labs XP 22, but could not find a used one to try at home (also prior to the tube exploration). I auditioned a used ARC 5SE (decent soundstage, but suppressed high end and the bass was underwhelming).
I am looking for any guidance or suggestions the Agon community might have for me.
Thanks in advance!
Ralph
@sls883 LTA sent the Ray Reserve and the Gold Lion. They were part of the holiday special pricing. The RR tubes are big, but fit in my system. They poke out the top. The holes are quite large on mine. Ask LTA. I am sure they would help.
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@thriftyaudio The Ray Reserve are 6SN7, correct? Did you try 12SN7? Mine are 12SN7GT. I haven't tried 6SN7. |
@sls883 LTA sent 6SN7. I have only used the tubes LTA shipped. This whole tube thing is new to me.
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@sls883 May try the Ray Select 12SN7 tubes. |
@thriftyaudio I’m using Telefunken ECC801S for the input tubes. I’ve tried a number of 12AT7 and equivalents. I like the Telefunken best. Siemens ECC801S were a close second. For my preferences. I have ordered some tubes from a guy that sells on ebay. He’s knowledgeable about the LTA preamp and what works well in it. I asked him what he recommended for the output tubes if I’m looking for detail and clarity. He suggested Raytheon 6SN7 VT231 from the 1940’s. He also recommended trying GE 12SN7GT, and RCA 12SX7GT. They weren’t crazy expensive, so I bought matched pairs of all three. I really haven’t experimented with the output tubes much, so it should be interesting. |